Since the pandemic has eased, I’ve been to so many places including the US, Denmark, South Korea, Thailand, UK, Ireland, France, Austria, Switzerland, Romania, Portugal, and Poland — in some of the countries even multiple times!
It wasn’t easy to decide which photos to share next, but then it dawned on me that I still have some photos from our trip to Japan in 2020. This country is beyond doubt my favourite to photograph and to tell stories about, and I felt I need to finish the series about our last visit.
Today I’d like to share the photos I took on the concluding two days of our trip.
Omotesando
Omotesando is a captivating neighborhood that combines fashion, amazing architecture, and a lively atmosphere. As you walk along the famous tree-lined street, you see stylish shops with the latest trends from famous designers. The buildings along the street are stunning, with modern and sometimes futuristic designs.
I especially like Omotesando Hills. It is a sleek and modern shopping complex designed by the famous Japanese architect Tadao Ando. This architectural masterpiece offers an impressive blend of luxury brands, trendy boutiques, and inviting cafes.
The area behind Omotesando Hills is filled with a diverse range of attractions and activities. One notable feature is the charming backstreets and hidden alleyways that offer a more local experience. Here, you can discover nice cafes, small independent shops, and unique boutiques that showcase emerging fashion designers and artisans.
Cafe Mameya in Omotesando is a hidden gem for coffee enthusiasts like me. The highlight of the experience is the amazing selection of specialty beans, offering a wide range of flavors and profiles to explore. The baristas will talk to you — also in good English — and brew each cup based on your individual preferences.
Another shopping center Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is known for its impressive architectural design and the iconic entrance with a mirrored kaleidoscope-like staircase that reflects the vibrant Harajuku atmosphere.
Takeshita
Takeshita Street is a lively and bustling street located in Harajuku. It’s a popular destination for young people and fashion enthusiasts. There you’ll find a wide array of shops selling trendy clothes, accessories, and unique items.
You’ll also find a variety of street food stalls offering tasty snacks. Harajuku-style crepes is probably one of the most popular treats there. These thin crepes are typically filled with a variety of sweet ingredients such as fresh fruits, whipped cream, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and other toppings.
A decade ago, during my time living in Tokyo, I frequently found myself strolling down this street, seeking new clothing and drawing inspiration for my outfits.
From Omotesando to Shibuya
Taking a walk from Omotesando to Shibuya offers a captivating journey through Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape. You will pass by nice boutiques, buildings with modern architecture, pet shops, cozy cafes, and art galleries.
The famous Shibuya Crossing
As you venture onward, the vibrant energy intensifies, leading you to the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Often referred to as the ‘scramble crossing’, it is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of the city’s energy.
The Hachiko statue in Shibuya stands as a touching tribute to the loyal dog who waited faithfully for his owner and has become a beloved symbol of loyalty and dedication.
Tokyo Tower
On the final day of our trip we met with our friend and her little daughter for a nice soba lunch in a restaurant close to our hotel. All together we then went to Akihabara and spent some time there.
For the evening Sergio and I have planned the final sightseeing activity of this trip: we were going to visit the Tokyo Tower and its observation deck. It was March 2020, and Tokyo Tower was one the few touristic activities still open to public.
When we left the subway, we started to worry as we realized that the sun was setting soon. We did not know, whether there was a line at the entrance and how long would it take us to get to the observation deck.
Luckily, it was not crowded at all, and after a quick temperature check, we managed to be there just in time for the sunset.
The tower’s observation decks offer unparalleled views of Tokyo’s skyline. I’ve enjoyed so much looking at the city from above and taking these photos.
Zojoji Temple is located next to Tokyo Tower, creating a harmonious juxtaposition between ancient traditions and modernity. It’s a prominent Buddhist temple with a rich history dating back to the 14th century.
The design and architecture of Tokyo Tower stand out, with its striking red and white color scheme and a structure reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower.
The trip was absolutely fantastic, just like all my previous experiences in Japan, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to visit this incredible country again in the future.
Photos taken in March 2020
